Help a Friend

Getting Help for a Friend

Friends can often be the first to notice when someone is experiencing emotional difficulty or is upset, withdrawn, depressed, or exhibiting some other change that seems out of character. If you are concerned about a friend, initiate a conversation. An empathetic, non-judgmental approach can make that person feel cared about and connected. In many cases, it will be all that’s needed for your friend to move toward a solution.

The Student Development & Counseling Center (SDCC) can help you determine next steps in supporting your friend. Advise your friend to call the SDCC to schedule an appointment. Offer to help make the call or accompany him or her on the first visit. If your friend is reluctant to speak with the SDCC, suggest a visit to the self-help pages and online screening tools.

Coming out to my friends and family was probably the most difficult experience of my life and there were few people with whom I felt even close to comfortable discussing it. It was so relieving to know that the counselor I visited at the SDCC would never judge me and whose sole purpose was to listen and help me think through my anxieties. I consider myself incredibly lucky to have had such a strong supporter during that challenging time in my life.